In a significant development on Monday, Hamas released Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, marking what many view as a crucial shift in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Mr. Alexander was believed to be the last US citizen still alive among the hostages held by Hamas. The group announced that his release was part of broader efforts by mediators aimed at achieving a ceasefire, reopening border crossings, and facilitating humanitarian assistance to those in need within the Gaza Strip.
US President Donald Trump lauded the release as a gesture of goodwill, highlighting the role of mediators, specifically Qatar and Egypt, in the ongoing negotiations. He expressed optimism that this step represents a new phase in the efforts to conclude a devastating war and reunite all hostages with their families.
Political analyst Salah Abed Al Atti emphasized the significance of Mr. Alexander’s release, stating that it symbolizes a breakthrough in the deadlocked negotiations over the situation in Gaza. He suggested that, while Israel is inclined towards a partial agreement, Hamas remains steadfast in its demand for a comprehensive resolution.
Abed Al Atti noted that this US-mediated development indicates a growing awareness in Washington that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be the main impediment to reaching a compromise.
Netanyahu responded positively to the news, stating that the return of Edan Alexander is a noteworthy triumph achieved through a combination of military and political pressure. He reiterated his commitment to maintaining close cooperation with Trump and to pursuing the overarching goals of the ongoing military campaign, which includes the release of all hostages and the defeat of Hamas.
Analysts interpret Mr. Alexander’s release as a strategically timed gesture from Hamas, aimed at averting further escalation of the Israeli ground offensive and contributing to larger de-escalation efforts. The success of this initiative, however, hinges on adept political maneuvering, the effective use of Arab diplomacy, and the navigation of growing differences between US and Israeli priorities, as pointed out by Abed Al Atti.
Talal Abu Rokba, another political analyst, observed that the US’s ongoing approach underscores a broader strategy focused on Israeli security interests, while also seeking to maintain a delicate balance within the region. This approach is said to draw parallels with the diplomatic framework outlined by former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger during the 1970s.
Additionally, he highlighted that the Trump administration’s foreign policy in the Middle East is intricately linked to its aim of restoring US economic dominance. According to Abu Rokba, Trump perceives global peacebuilding not merely as a diplomatic endeavor but as a mechanism to revitalize the US economy and reaffirm its global standing, particularly in light of perceived vulnerabilities in leadership under the Biden administration.
Netanyahu tempered expectations following the news of Mr. Alexander’s release by clarifying that this does not imply an imminent ceasefire in Gaza or the release of Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons.
Abu Rokba contended that the agreement reached does not obligate Israel to cease hostilities or to engage in future planning for Gaza. He pointed out that Hamas’s vision for a post-war agreement, which would entail a complete Israeli withdrawal and a halt to aggression, is not addressed in the current development.
Instead, he argued, the arrangement appears to serve as a preliminary step towards a more comprehensive agreement that may resemble earlier frameworks proposed by US special envoy Steven Witkoff.
This American strategy allows Israel to retain its military posture in Gaza while simultaneously offering Hamas an opportunity to dial back its most ambitious demands. While it may not satisfy the ultimate goals of either side, it presents a pragmatic compromise aimed at addressing immediate concerns.
In contrast, analyst Taysir Abed expressed skepticism regarding the impact of Mr. Alexander’s release. He opined that while some believe it could pressure Israel into negotiating a deal or ending hostilities, the dynamics in play might suggest otherwise.
According to Abed, Trump’s approach indicates a tacit endorsement of Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, framing the release as a validation of the current American strategy that prioritizes national interests without yielding to external pressures.
image source from：https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/05/13/hamas-releases-us-israeli-soldier-as-washington-pressures-netanyahu-for-gaza-ceasefire/
